One of the most powerful advancements in laser dentistry is the fact that we can now use lasers to perform the standard root canal operation. While most people prefer to refer to a root canal procedure such as root canal therapy, we know that many of our patients are terrified at the prospect of needing to have one. This fear typically comes from the pain associated with it. However, most patients do not realize that it is not the root canal itself that causes pain but the infection that causes the pain.

Most patients, even those who are terrified of the root canal procedure, will tell you that upon removing the infected portion of the tooth, they no longer suffer from the debilitating pain. This is possible due to our laser root canal procedure. Additionally, we now have the option to offer you a more comfortable root canal procedure that can take away many of the fears you have in the first place.

Before we start talking about the laser root canals, it is important to understand what a root canal procedure is and what root canal therapy involves. The first thing the patient notices when they are going to need root canal therapy is the immense amount of pain that starts to radiate from the infected tooth. The pain is typically due to an infection that has gone deep into the root of the tooth and has infected the pulp; which is the soft area or the internal part of the tooth cavity. The pain from an infected tooth root can be excruciating. Not only does it affect the tooth itself but radiates into the gum and the surrounding teeth, making it impossible to chew, speak or sleep. As a result, most patients will instantly come in to see the dentist and to fix it.

We know that as soon as a patient hears they need root canal therapy they become afraid of the idea of having a dentist use the drill to perform the procedure. However, in order to remove the root and therefore remove the infection, it is essential to access the interior of the tooth. The great news is that with laser dentistry it is no longer necessary to have to use the drill and other old-fashioned technology. Instead, we use technological advancements such as high-powered lasers and then water to remove debris, the infected tissue, the root and the other causes of your pain.

There are distinct advantages to using laser dentistry and advanced technology. For one, we no longer need to use a drill and some of the other implements that have caused many people to have anxiety about being in the dentist chair. And speaking of the dentist chair, when you visit us for laser dentistry and have a laser root canal completed you will not spend as long in the dentist chair. In fact, the procedure is a whole lot faster using laser dental technology. This allows you to be in and out as quickly as possible and on the way to recovery. In fact, the recovery is also a lot quicker, because there’s no trauma caused to the tissue surrounding the tooth or other teeth that may be in the surrounding area.

Laser dentistry has greatly improved how we perform many common dental procedures. Root canals are only one of them. If you suffer from dental anxiety or are simply looking for a modern dental office, call and schedule a consultation with our La Mesa office. We will be happy to assist you.